Top Rochester, NY to Lancaster, CA Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lancaster to Rochester guide.

1. Sheridan Brothers Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Corrigan Moving Systems: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. Interior Moving Services Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
4. Clark Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from New York to California

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from New York to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,360 and $5,894. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,041 to $8,609 for the trip from NY to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $7,676 and $12,933.

Cost of moving containers from New York to California

If you're relocating from New York to California, you'll typically spend between $1,665 and $4,311 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,986 up to $6,527. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $3,908 and $8,204. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from New York to California

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,713 and $3,632. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,854 and $4,240. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,542 and $5,303.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Lancaster, since prices are typically 108% higher than in Rochester.
• The home prices in Lancaster are 135.8% higher than in Rochester, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Lancaster, where incomes are, on average, 16.4% higher than in Rochester. Major employers in Lancaster include Antelope Valley Hospital, Antelope Valley Union High School District, and Lancaster School District.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Lancaster, since the cost of living for a single person in Lancaster is 11.7% higher than in Rochester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Lancaster, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Lancaster is 13.0% higher than in Rochester.
• The unemployment rate in Lancaster is 59.18% higher than in Rochester.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Lancaster, since its sales taxes are 28.13% higher than what you are paying in Rochester.
• State income taxes in Lancaster are 22.02% higher than in Rochester.

• Lancaster might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 18% less than Rochester.
• Getting around Lancaster without a car might be more difficult than in Rochester. Lancaster has a public transportation score of 0 out of 10, whereas Rochester is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• Lancaster neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Rochester. Based on its score of 29 out of 100, Lancaster isn't as walkable as Rochester, which has a score of 61 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Lancaster, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Rochester. While Rochester has a bike-friendliness score of 60 out of 100, Lancaster earned a 40. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• The crime rate in Lancaster is higher than in Rochester, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 45.5 in Lancaster, it is 37.54 in Rochester. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Lancaster than in Rochester, based on Lancaster's safety index of 54.5 versus 36.66 for Rochester. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in Lancaster and Rochester is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

• Weather: If you're looking to move to Lancaster, consider doing this on the months of May, October and April. Summers are hot and nearly rainless while winter could be mildly cold.
• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Lancaster. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Downtown Lancaster
• Central Lancaster
• East Lancaster
• College Terrace
• Skytower Park

Best neighborhoods for families

• Quartz Hill
• West Lancaster
• Rancho Vista
• Brentwood
• El Dorado

Things to do in Lancaster

Once you're settled into your new home in California, it's time to get out and discover what Lancaster has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

• Arts and culture: Lancaster features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Lancaster Museum of Art & History, Western Hotel Museum, and Boyle Heights History Studios & Tours.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Apollo Community Regional Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, and Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.